engleski

Karst denudation measurements on North Dalmatian plain using rock tablet method

Weathering processes affect carbonate rocks exposed to natural environment (on surface or buried under soil cover), resulting in formation of different karst morphologies, and controlling surface denudation. To quantify these processes different methodological approaches can be used, among which rock tablet method is one of the most comprehensive. North Dalmatian plain is one of the most emblematic parts of Dinaric karst and its development has been attributed to corrosional planation process. However, it has not been measured locally. Thus, to determine the speed of karst relief formation and surface denudation in this area we used rock tablets method. Actual weathering was measured using rock tablets of several local lithologies, while “standard” Lipica rock tablets were used to measure potential weathering rate. Rock tablets have been exposed to natural environment at the surface, but as well buried in cambic soil profile at 50 cm depth for a period of one year. Average values measured on the surface were from 4.96 to 5.44 m/a for local lithologies and 5.9 m/a for Lipica tablets. At the same time, values measured in the soil were from 1.62 to 2.73 m/a for local lithologies and 3.64 m/a for Lipica tablets. Results show significant difference of values measured at different settings and highlight importance of using local lithologies when measuring denudation rates of a certain area.

weathering, karst, North Dalmatian plain, rock tablets

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